Jerry! Jerry!

The guests aren't the only fools: You can actually feel yourself getting dumber when you watch humiliation fests like "Jerry Springer Show".

Last night I found myself in front of the TV munching on
some popcorn while chanting JERRY! JERRY! I was cheering while two midgets who
were covered in wedding cake were beating each other silly on the "Jerry
Springer Show". The episode was called "Attack of the Little People"
and the two small men were fighting because one of them -- who had planned to
get married on the Springer show -- had just found out that his best friend, also
a little man, had been sleeping with his bride to be. When the affair was
revealed to the bridegroom, he threw his best friend into the wedding cake
provided free of charge by the magnanimous "Jerry Springer Show".

Although I am embarrassed to admit that I was even
watching this fiasco, my shame is dulled by the fact that I know that everyone
else was watching also. Jerry has surpassed Oprah to take the coveted number
one position in the "talk show" ratings, and so although no one likes
to admit it, someone has to be watching.

I was cheering while two midgets who were covered in wedding cake were beating each other silly on the Jerry Springer show.

As I was
watching these midgets score blows on one another, I could actually feel myself
getting dumber. The frequent camera shots of the audience cheering them on with
glee were equally depressing.

The audience brought to mind the haunting image of a Roman
Coliseum where people would cheer as gladiators fought to the death for the
enjoyment of the spectators. Was I any better, cheering while these people were
being humiliated and their lives ruined on international television?

Judaism teaches that embarrassment is, in a sense,
equivalent to death. Therefore, getting enjoyment from the embarrassment of
another is like getting enjoyment from watching his death. Indeed, according to
the Talmud, if you embarrass someone you have an obligation to compensate him
monetarily, just the same as if you injured that person or damaged his
property. (Babylonian Talmud, Bava Kama)

The Talmud cites a specific example in which a man
embarrassed a woman in the market place; the rabbis declare that his behavior
was tantamount to a grave sin and that the man was required to make
restitution.

As I was watching these midgets score blows on one another, I could actually feel myself getting dumber.

This is what we TV-watchers tell ourselves so we won't
feel guilty when we are sitting on our couches at home munching popcorn and
laughing as two midgets throw each other across the set of the "Jerry Springer
Show".

Now, I know what most people probably think -- these poor
fools who go on the Springer show are embarrassing themselves voluntarily.
They want to get in fights with one another and have their wigs ripped
off before Steve, the off-duty Chicago policeman/enforcer comes to break up the
fight. They want the question-answer segment of the show to turn into
the "audience insults the guest until he cries" segment. They want
to be the subject of talk at the water cooler the next morning, when people all
around the world are asking each other, "Did you see what that lunatic did
on Springer last night?"

However, the same story from the Talmud mentioned above addresses
this rationalization.

The man who embarrassed the woman in the marketplace was
sure that she was on such a low level that she would be willing to embarrass
herself voluntarily for a little money. So, he waited for an opportune
moment, and sure enough, she willingly embarrassed herself in the same way that
he had embarrassed her previously.

So he went back to the rabbis who had ordered him to make
restitution, and presented them with the above evidence, arguing that this
woman didn't deserve to be compensated since she doesn't even have enough
self-worth to realize that she was embarrassing herself.

However, the rabbis disagreed with the man's assessment
and forced him to compensate her nonetheless. The rabbis rejected the notion
that -- just because someone is less educated, or is willing to embarrass
herself voluntarily -- this means that others can embarrass her, or get enjoyment
from her embarrassment.

Perhaps the rabbis were also implying that, although
though some people may not have a problem with embarrassing themselves
publicly, they should. Furthermore, it is detrimental for anyone else's
well-being to exploit or laugh at that person's actions regardless of how a
person behaves.

The Jerry Springer Show might be just as damaging for
those of us watching at home as it clearly is for the guests on the show. As
much fun as it may be to watch Steve break up ten fights per show, while wondering
if you're watching a talk show or a World Wrestling Federation match, perhaps
it is harmful to us all.

The next time I have some spare time, instead of watching people
pick up chairs and throw them at each other, I think I'll just pick up a good
book.

About the Author

Visitor Comments: 10

(10)
Anonymous,
February 7, 2006 12:00 AM

What would the outside world think looking into the U.S.A. ?

Do you notice most of the participants of your show are overweight,colored except oriental and they are usually messed up with their lives and relationships ? Like they say: You see one you see them all.

(9)
Anonymous,
January 30, 2004 12:00 AM

ashamed but good summary

after watching for an hour i simply could not believe i did

(8)
Basia,
June 25, 2003 12:00 AM

Humiliation degrades both subject and viewer!

I fully concur with your views about the Springer show. Recently, Ali G. was taken to task by British rabbis for that very same reason - his alter ego appears to demand that others view him with disdain. Personally, if I see anyone behaving with a total lack of self-respect, I feel a literal, physical pain - though whether on their behalf or my own, I cannot say. I just know that I am very uncomfortable with this sort of self-degradation. I think that the Talmud has the correct attitude. Jerry Springer may not be aware of this aspect of his heritage. If not, I hope he reads your article.

(7)
Deborah Williams,
September 24, 2001 12:00 AM

America - Home of the Freaks

I just feel like screaming when I think of how Americans are seen by the rest of the world. Have we no shame? What happened to decency and modesty? Don't we stand for anything? And when talking about freedom of speech and right to expression, do we really need to see others in degrading behavior, throwing out their garbage for the world to see? To foreigners who are new to our country, why must we parade our immorality? No wonder the Islamic countries think we are infidels; aren't we? Mr. Springer is getting rich off his freak show, while we all pay the piper.

(6)
Ed Gerson,
April 15, 2001 12:00 AM

Jerry Springer...this is Jewish?

The man is a phenomenal hypocrite if he is Jewish. If he isn't Jewish, he should consider becoming a Jew. The show degrades, just as nice Jewish boy Howard Stern degrades. Difference being, Jerry gives a moralistic homily afterwards, as if he weren't involved in the first place. Can't wait to see his American celebrity Jewish pilgram routine at the Kotel......

(5)
,
August 24, 2000 12:00 AM

Very good article. I could never put into words for my husband why I felt uncomfortable for him to watch this program. You explained it perfectly.

(4)
Simcha,
June 21, 2000 12:00 AM

Great!

I really liked this article and I relate to it - I'm amazed at how much air time and money is spent on these moronic, destructive shows.

(3)
Anonymous,
February 25, 2000 12:00 AM

I heard that Jerry was Jewish. Can this be true?

Jerry may be Jewish// But most certainly Narish

(2)
,
February 24, 2000 12:00 AM

This article really made me think.

I really loved this article. It was interesting to read and yet very spiritual. Anyone who could talk about Jerry Springer and Torah in the same article is a great writer to me. Thank you Aish.

(1)
,
February 23, 2000 12:00 AM

very funny! smart writing.

i was laughing out loud in the computer room at school. i don't know if i will stop watching jerry all together but i definitely think twice next time. well done.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...